NASA has just paid an extraordinary tribute to the natural wonders of Algeria. Find out which national parks have named Martian sites after them and the deeper meaning behind the gesture. A strong message for the preservation of our planet…
In a gesture as symbolic as it is extraordinary, NASA recently named several Martian sites after Algerian national parks. An initiative led by Nourredine Melikechi, Algerian physicist member of the American space agency’s Mars mission. Its objective: to draw attention to the fragility of our planet Earth through this interplanetary parallel.
When the Sahara meets the red planet
Three natural wonders of Algeria have thus found their Martian twin. The Tassili n’Ajjer National Park, an arid high plateau in the Sahara recognized by UNESCO, gave its name to a site on the Red Planet with surprisingly similar physical characteristics. The same goes for the spectacular Ghoufi canyon with its thousand-year-old troglodyte dwellings, and the majestic mountain range of Djurdjura.
Every time I see photos of Mars, it reminds me of Tassili, and now when I see Tassili, it reminds me of Mars.
Nourredine Melikechi, Algerian physicist at NASA
The Tassili n’Ajjer, an air of déjà vu on Mars
With its rock formations overlooking ocher sand dunes, Tassili n’Ajjer actually presents a disturbing resemblance to certain Martian landscapes. Beyond the geology, this plateau conceals unique archaeological treasures, including fascinating cave paintings more than 12,000 years old.
Some of these prehistoric works depict enigmatic figures, such as round-headed figures with a single eye and horns. “Martian deities” according to archaeologist Henri Lhote, potentially imagined by artists of the time under the influence of psychotropic substances.
Ghoufi, a symbol of resilience that echoes on the red planet
The Ghoufi canyon, nestled at the foot of the imposing Aurès mountains, also evokes certain steep areas of Mars. But beyond the visual similarities, it is the immutable character of the site despite the ages that attracted the Algerian scientist.
Ghoufi gives you the feeling that life can be hard, but that you can make it in the end: these rocks survived, the vegetation survived and so did the humans.
Nourredine Melikechi
From Djurdjura to Mars, celebrating the diversity of natural habitats
With its snow-capped mountain range, the Djurdjura park contrasts with the desert landscapes of the other two sites. A deliberate choice to highlight the richness and variety of natural environments, on Earth and potentially on other planets.
A tribute that sounds like a warning
Beyond national pride, naming Martian areas in the name of Algerian natural jewels is above all a call to protect our environment. A salutary awareness as tourism, particularly Saharan tourism, has experienced significant development in the country in recent years.
Our planet is fragile and this is a signal to the world to take care of our national parks, whether they are in Algeria or elsewhere.
Nourredine Melikechi
A strong symbolic approach which, by weaving a subtle link between Earth and the red planet, poetically reminds us of the beauty and vulnerability of the natural wonders for which we are responsible. Treasures to be cherished and preserved, here on earth and in space.
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